Scientists investigate if a herpes virus is behind the mass deaths of sardines off South Africa
Scientists say dead sardines tested showed consistently high levels of pilchard herpesvirus, while other factors such as cold water and algae remain under review.
- Masses of sardines have washed up dead along South Africa's west and south coasts this month, with scientists identifying the pilchard herpesvirus as the leading explanation for the mortality event.
- PHV, previously linked to two mass sardine mortality events in Australia during the 1990s, causes inflammation and thickening of fish gills, which interferes with oxygen uptake, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment said.
- Researchers at the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity are examining dozens of specimens, though biological sciences lecturer Dalene Vosloo said "it remains possible that multiple factors contributed to the mortality event."
- Following the clogging of a seawater intake by dead sardines, The Koeberg Nuclear Power Station north of Cape Town cut power by 50% at one of its two units, according to the national electricity company.
- Officials from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment confirmed the virus poses no known risk to human health, and healthy sardines caught commercially or canned sardine products remain safe to consume.
22 Articles
22 Articles
Scientists investigate if a herpes virus is behind mass deaths of sardines off South Africa
Scientists in South Africa are investigating if a herpes virus is responsible for the mass deaths of sardines. The mass mortality events happened this month along parts of the country's west and south coast.
Herpesvirus PHV suspected in mass sardine deaths off South Africa
JOHANNESBURG: Scientists in South Africa are investigating why masses of sardines have washed up dead or dying along parts of the country's west and south coast - and if a herpes virus detected in the fish is responsible.The mass mortality of sardines this month has so far stumped the country's Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, though scientists have come to at least one conclusion: it is the first time that the virus in que…
Scientists in South Africa investigate why large quantities of dead or dying sardines have been brought on portions of the western and southern coast of the country and whether a herpes virus detected in fish is responsible for this phenomenon. Environmental authorities have explained what this means for people's health.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
